How to Negotiate Like a Badass

Negotiation is something we do all the time, whether you're a mom negotiating with a toddler, or you're negotiating in the workplace. Here are some tips.

First key to remember: A negotiation doesn’t start until someone says no. Second key to remember: YOU can be that person to say no.

In any negotiation, both parties want to feel like they benefitted. Even if the other party doesn’t get exactly what they went in THINKING they wanted, if they get *something*, chances are, they’ll still feel good afterwards. This is  important to keep in the back of your mind, so that you stay as open-minded as possible through your conversation!

Get clear on your own position. So many folks go into a negotiation without actually being crystal clear on what truly matters most to them by the end – because it’s not always what you initially think!

Run through this checklist to figure out.. – What you want – What you’re willing to give up – Your actual end goal – which is not necessarily the same as “what you want!” – How badly you want/need it – Your relationship with the other party  – When you would walk away/say no altogether

Do your homework. Know what the other party values most! Know as much about their background + interests going into the conversation as possible.

Eliminate emotion. You know the saying “It’s just business” – how to negotiate 101 is internalize this point to the grave.

Be clear in your ask. Ask for a little bit more than what you’re truly OK with getting. This isn’t to be dishonest – it’s just the art of making a deal. Be as detailed as possible, because details build trust.

LISTEN to the other party. You should be listening more than you’re talking! And ask questions! It makes them feel heard, since it leads to them talking more (and you listening more). And it helps you figure out what is most important to THEM, so that you can use that to find a mutually acceptable solution.

Understand that everything is negotiable…like, everything. So don’t be afraid to get creative in finding a solution that’s mutually agreeable + beneficial! In a good negotiation, BOTH sides are compromising on something, but both are gaining, too.

Be willing to sit in silence. Let the room get uncomfortable for a hot sec. Most folks are really antsy in the quiet and look to fill it ASAP, so it may hasten a decision in your favor.

Things to use: Reasons, personal connections. Things to not use: Power, deadlines, anything transactional.

Actively + intentionally build trust. I’m a big fan of honesty. Even in negotiation settings. No one likes to feel like they’re being played, or like they can’t take someone at their word! It’s important.

Be willing to walk away. The really important other key in negotiating. If you don’t have the wiggle room or ability to say no, you’ve already lost. There has to be some sort of bottom line or last straw at which point you call it quits and walk away with grace.

PS - I talk about negotiations a lot in my course for bloggers: BossPitch. BossPitch helps bloggers pitch brand deals on their own.

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